Donald Smith, 72, preacher, teacher, golfer

The Rev. Donald Smith was the featured preacher at about 240 weeklong church revivals during his long career, and estimated that he influenced more than 19,000 people to profess their faith in Christ.

He had a smooth delivery and thought of himself as a teacher, often using Bible stories to illustrate his message, said his wife, Shirley Smith of Suwanee.

“He loved to study, and he liked to use Greek words in his sermons. He would have at least two or three books open on his desk as he prepared a sermon,” said Mrs. Smith.

The Rev. Smith, 72, of Suwanee died of pancreatic cancer Saturday at Northside Hospital-Forsyth. The funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church in Norcross. Flanigan Funeral Home in Buford is in charge of arrangements.

A native of Canada, Mr. Smith earned an undergraduate degree from Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C., and a master’s in divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Among positions he held in the area were senior pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Riverdale; associate director of the Georgia Baptist Convention’s evangelism department; and associate director of direct evangelism for the North American Mission Board, where he retired in 2001.

He also was an avid golfer and swimmer, and regularly swam laps even during his 16-month fight with cancer, his wife said.

Additional survivors include a son, Scott Smith of Atlanta; and a daughter, Dr. Allison Smith of Nashville.